Switzerland is scheduled to hold a referendum next month on a proposal that would significantly alter its long-standing neutrality by ending cooperation with NATO and prohibiting the imposition of economic sanctions. The vote stems from a Moscow-backed campaign advocating for a return to a more restrictive interpretation of Swiss neutrality, emphasizing non-participation in conflict and Western alliances.
Posters featuring peace imagery and calls to "reject war" have appeared throughout the Alpine nation. Supporters of the initiative, including veteran politician Christoph Blocher of the Right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), argue that Switzerland's imposition of sanctions on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine has already compromised its neutrality. Blocher stated that Russia now views Switzerland as a party to the conflict, and that a strong, credible neutrality is crucial in a world potentially heading towards a third world war.
Russia's foreign ministry has publicly supported the campaign, with spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticizing Switzerland's alignment with EU sanctions. She argued that "flexible neutrality" equates to no neutrality at all.
The proposed change would require Switzerland to refrain from joining or cooperating with any military or defense alliance unless attacked, and to only participate in sanctions approved by the United Nations. This campaign seeks to enshrine these conditions in the constitution, which currently does not explicitly detail the scope of Swiss neutrality, beyond international agreements like the 1907 Hague Convention.
However, the Swiss government and most major political parties, with the exception of the SVP, oppose the referendum. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has warned that the proposed restrictions would harm national security, prevent vital training with NATO allies, and isolate Switzerland from its European neighbors. Government legal experts maintain that the current framework for neutrality is effective and well-understood internationally, citing a recent instance where Switzerland banned overflights by U.S. military aircraft during the Iran conflict.
Recent opinion polls suggest a majority of Swiss voters will reject the proposal, with one survey indicating 62% against and 36% in favor. However, pollster Fabio Wasserfallen noted that campaigners for the change have outspent supporters of the status quo, which could lead to a narrower margin on election day, September 27.
Swiss neutrality has been internationally recognized since 1815 and enshrined in its constitution since 1848, historically keeping the country out of both World Wars. Critics of the proposed change fear that a rigidly defined neutrality could limit Switzerland's ability to respond to international crises and maintain diplomatic relationships with its neighbors.